A properly fitted respirator device (e.g., N95 masks) is an important piece of personal protective equipment. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there is greater interest in how well filtering respirator devices fit when a person has facial hair — like a beard, moustache, or sideburns. This report looks at the evidence regarding facial hair and respirator devices. Note, this report does not look at non-medical masks or cloth masks. At the time of the report, two studies were identified on this topic. The authors of the studies reported that as beard length increased, the additional facial hair was less likely to accommodate a properly fitted respirator device. This report did not identify any recommendations on facial hair and respirator devices.
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